should i get a dog, even though i'm still in college?

Question

so i've always had a dog, and last year i had to leave my dog at home since i was at school and couldnt bring her. My parents want to keep my dog at home again this year even though my town house allows them. basicallly i was wondering if i should adopt a dog, i was thinking something about a year+, either a lab or shepherd. i'm gone for at most 4 hours at a time and would have a few roomates but my own room. should i get a dog or not?

Answer 1

Not a puppy, even 4 hours is too long. Puppies have to go every hour and a half. My pup trained in 10 weeks but we were very good about crate training and housebreaking. At around 2 months old the puppy will b able to hold it for 4 hours in the crate. Managing college and a puppy is too much responsibility/time. Puppies need constant attention, its first 6 months are crucial to its learning and bonding experience. If your looking to adopt a dog, then you'll probably not be looking for a puppy I assume. Most likely your not gonna find a purebred in a pound, even rarer to find a purebred Lab or Shepherd. Basically today getting a purebred is much harder, even if you buy your pup from a pet store who says its a purebred it may be coming from a puppy mill. Mutts are great, and its cool that you want to adopt a dog. If you do just remember, even with an older dog you still need to give it attention, and make sure u have the budget for one. Trips to the vet, + food can get pretty expensive. The last thing would be to do some research on what dogs need as in energy and space. If you're room and your friends room are the only two rooms its gonna be in you may wanna go for a smaller, less physical dog. If you're dog is gonna be free in the townhouse, with a fair sized yard then you'd be ok for a lab, collie, retriever, etc. Many dogs need a lot of exercise or they can become destructive and get into things in the house. As you said, a year + would be fine. Do some research about breeds, you'll find a lot of shepherd, pit bull, and collie mixes in the pound. Some of my favorite purebred breads are Labs, Boxers, Retrievers, Shepherds, Huskies. Hope this helped...

Answer 2

A dog is a big responsibility and being a busy college student you may not have the time you think you do to devote to a dog who needs love and attention. Labs and shepherds need a lot of room to roam and labs inparticular can be destructive when they get lonely. I think you ought to be content to visit your dog back at home. Remember that once you move back home or out on your own after college you could then have 2 dogs depending on the age and health of the one you have at home. How do you know if they will they get along?

Answer 3

If your roommates are ok with it and willing to help, if you are going to have time for the dog...you may be home but college requires a lot of study time. Last of all if you have the money for the vet and food. Then yes by all means get a dog. Also make sure you will live in the same place until you are out of college so you don't end up in a place that doesn't allow pets next year.

Answer 4

I live in a college town, and am a former Board member of the Humane Society.

We have seen SO many neglected/abandoned dogs from college students who had good intentions, but evil roommates. Or, they weren't allowed to have the dog in the "new place." Or the parents didn't want a new dog at home...the list goes on.

Wait until you have your own place and are completely financially independent. In the meantime, consider volunteering at the local shelter.

Good luck!

Answer 5

If you have the time for a dog then do it, but remember, it is your dog and your responsibility. When you were living at home your parents were around when you were out, to look after your dog, which means if you were out late they probably took care of her. You can't expect that of your roommates. Having a dog that you alone are responsible for will restrict certain activities like staying out all night, going out of town, etc.
I have 2 dogs. When I got them my life changed considerably. I can't stay out all night and if I do I have to make sure the dogs are taken care of because I can't count on my roommates to do it. But on the good side of it, I take them everywhere with me except to work. They are great fun.
So, if you are up to the responsibility, definately get a dog. Pet owners are happier people.
By the way, your parents probably just want to keep the dog because they would miss her. :o)

Good luck!

Answer 6

Since you're home most of the day and the dog wouldn't be a puppy, I don't see why not. If you do, I wouldn't leave the dog alone that much at the beginning, not until he's been there for awhile. Make sure your roomates are okay with it too.
We didn't leave our dogs alone when we first got them. We started to gradually, and now they are used to it. They just sleep when we're gone.

Answer 7

this is something you really need to think about. Are you REALLY going to have time to be with the dog. I live in an apartment and my neighbors had a lab, they were never there and that poor dog just barked and barked all day. So consider the dog before yourself, Will the dog be Happy? I think dogs are awesome and you should DEFINETLY get one if you have time for it b/c they are fun!!!! Good Luck with School and maybe a new dog!

Answer 8

I wont recommend a lab or shepherd as they are working dogs. They need a lot of exercise even they are adult. Not to mention they are prob too big for your own.

Try adopt a older dog like 5 years plus who are house trained. But you still need to walk them in the morning and before bed. good luck!

Answer 9

Then when you finish college and start a career and aren't home 8 hours a day, 40 hours a week....you will have to start looking for someone to let your dog out. I think you would be ok, as long as you adopt a dog that is all ready potty trained. 4 hours with an adult dog is normal.

Answer 10

since you're still in college i would look into your future. dogs can live for YEARS...where are you going to be next year? where are you going when you graduate? what happens if you move to an apartment that doesn't allow pets?? what happens if you graduate and get a job that keeps you away from home...A LOT!?

i would wait til after college and your life stables out a bit.